Historic Environment Scotland appoints new chief executive | Project Scotland

HISTORIC Environment Scotland (HES) has announced the appointment of Katerina Brown as its new chief executive.

Katerina joins HES from the National Trust for Scotland, where she currently serves as chief operating officer.

On the appointment, HES said Katerina brings a deep commitment to heritage preservation and is highly motivated to further HES’ role in contributing to Scotland’s economy, education and skills development, net zero targets, and wider cultural landscape.

Katerina commented, “I feel truly privileged and humbled to lead Historic Environment Scotland. My experience across public, private, and charitable sectors has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how to lead organisations for the benefit of all.

“To care for assets of national significance and international renown, to embrace advances in technology, while at the same time preserving traditional skills so that our future generations can continue to enjoy all that Scotland offers, makes me excited.”

Katerina boasts a wealth of knowledge from both national and international financial services, as well as renewable energy and property. Her background, coupled with her experience in the cultural heritage sector, positions her perfectly to lead HES forward, the organisation said.

Dr. Hugh Hall, chair of Historic Environment Scotland, welcomed Katerina’s appointment. He said, “Her passion for Scotland, her experience in the heritage sector and her successful track record in business combine to make her an outstanding candidate for the job. Katerina brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and will play a leading role in delivering Scotland’s ambitious heritage strategy, which impacts significantly on many aspects of people’s lives.”

Angus Robertson, cabinet secretary for the constitution, external affairs and culture, commented, “We welcome the appointment of Katerina Brown as the new chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland. She brings a high level of experience and knowledge to the role and clearly has a proven passion for Scotland’s historic environment to match.

“We look forward to working with Katerina to help sustain and enhance the benefits of Scotland’s historic environment for people and communities both now and in the future.”